NASA Considers Billionaire’s Offer to Repair Hubble Space Telescope
For over three decades, the Hubble Space Telescope has been a crucial tool for space exploration. However, its lifespan is coming to an end, with predictions stating that it will burn up in Earth’s atmosphere by 2034. But hope may not be lost, thanks to a proposal from billionaire and space tourist Jared Isaacman. Isaacman has offered to fund a maintenance mission that could potentially extend the telescope’s life, saving NASA hundreds of millions of dollars. Despite the offer, NASA remains hesitant due to scientific and bureaucratic risks.
The Hubble Space Telescope, launched in 1990, has had its fair share of technical issues and repair missions throughout its lifetime. Jared Isaacman, who has already orbited Earth as part of the Inspiration4 mission in a SpaceX capsule, presented his plan to save Hubble to NASA in 2022. However, the agency did not approve it at the time. Internal NASA emails obtained by NPR reveal that the agency has concerns about the proposal due to scientific and bureaucratic risks.
Barbara Grofic, NASA astrophysics program manager, expressed her doubts in a December 2022 email, stating that while it would be a fantastic saving for NASA, it would also pose significant challenges for NASA legal and procurement. Some experts have labeled Isaacman’s plan as unnecessary and risky, pointing out that SpaceX’s view of risks differs significantly from NASA’s.
Although NASA is concerned about the potential risks, they are still considering the proposal. Since 2022, the agency has been investigating the idea of a private crew visiting Hubble on Isaacman’s dime. The investigation involved Isaacman visiting NASA’s facilities to discuss the details of a maintenance mission. However, NASA’s astronauts and specialists take the responsibility of maintaining Hubble very seriously, as they possess the expertise and training necessary for such a complicated task.
The worst-case scenario is not just the destruction of the telescope; there is also the risk of injury or death for repair-mission astronauts if something goes wrong. Isaacman has been vocal about the obstacles he faces, suggesting that some NASA insiders want a monopoly on the experience of handling Hubble. He believes that certain individuals would rather see Hubble burn up than risk allowing others to touch it and potentially open the door for more private involvement in space exploration.
While NASA has yet to approve the mission, they are also hesitant to reject it outright. The upcoming Polaris mission, sponsored by Isaacman’s Polaris Program, could help break the ice. SpaceX plans to conduct the first private spacewalk outside the Crew Dragon capsule during this mission. However, the Polaris Program has faced multiple delays, with the need for additional time to ensure a safe launch and the completion of mission goals.
Despite the uncertainties surrounding Isaacman’s proposal, the Hubble Space Telescope remains in good shape after its last service mission conducted by NASA’s team 15 years ago. As NASA continues to consider the billionaire’s offer, it remains to be seen whether Hubble will receive the maintenance it needs to extend its lifespan and continue contributing to our understanding of the universe.
